Before It Unfolds — Catch Naples Origami Experience

Origami in the Garden, an exhibition of monumental outdoor sculpture created by internationally-known American artist Kevin Box, is entering its final month of display in multiple locations across Naples. The 50+ pieces of the playful, large-scale works of the sculptor and origami creator have delighted audiences since early December. The distinctive creations, from giant cranes to a life-size Pegasus, take the art of single-paper folding to a new level. Sculptor Kevin Box pioneered an innovative method of capturing origami’s delicate detail and rendering it with museum-quality metals as large-scale works of art.

“Visiting the Origami in the Garden exhibit was wonderful,” says Sarasota resident Haruka Fenderson. “Growing up in Japan, I love origami and I was eager to see this, but it went way beyond my expectations. The sculpture and the way it's displayed, for me, reshaped the way I saw my surroundings.”

Fenderson is one of 50,000 who have taken advantage of the Florida-first exhibition of Box’s work. “We have been thrilled with the response to this multi-location exhibition,” says Jonathan Foerster, spokesperson for Artis—Naples. “We knew that the art of origami has been experiencing a resurgence, but this has also captured curiosity from garden lovers, beach worshippers and museum goers. Its integration into these other venues expands horizons for each who have viewed this unique art.”

Origami in the Garden will be on display through April 23 at Naples Botanical Garden and The Baker Museum on the Artis-Naples campus, and through April 17 in Lowdermilk Park on the Gulf of Mexico. Each have various pieces of the playful works on exhibit, plus a host of other esthetic and fun opportunities for all ages and interests.

Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of flora in the heart of Naples, ranked by TripAdvisor as the city’s number one attraction. Nearly 30 origami sculptures are on display throughout the Garden, including a group of life-sized, colorful ponies, a tower of serene cranes and a flock of birds taking flight over the River of Grass, a representation of the Everglades.

Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and Tuesday from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission is $14.95/adults, $9.95/children 4-14, and free for children 3 and under. For more information, visit naplesgarden.org.

Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum

Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum is the foremost fine arts museum in Southwest Florida, housing 15 galleries, a glass dome conservatory and three Dale Chihuly installations. Five origami sculptures — including the formidable Pegasus — and 40 unfolded pieces of origami are on display at The Baker Museum.

The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, is open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday from

10 am to 4pm, Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from noon to 4 pm. Admission is $10/adults, and free for children 17 and under. For more information, visit artisnaples.org/baker-museum.

Lowdermilk Park

Lowdermilk Park is one of Naples' premier beachfront parks. Highly rated for families, kids can release their energy on two playgrounds, build castles in the soft white sand or roam about the brightly colored pair of huge origami cranes. Consider a visit near the end of the day to take in a beautiful sunset.

Lowdermilk Park, 1301 Gulf Shore Boulevard, is open daily from 8 am to sundown. For more information, visit explorenaples.